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'AI shamans' tell the fortunes of curious South Koreans
In central Seoul, a cultural products store called Vinaida uses AI-powered robots to perform traditional fortune-telling and face-reading services instead of human mystics.
These virtual systems reference 'saju', or the 'four pillars of destiny', to interpret fate based on birth dates, mirroring South Korean traditions involving human 'mudang' practitioners who commune with gods.
Manager Kim Hae-seol said Vinaida attracts around 100 visitors daily since opening in February, with services offered in four languages for up to 8,000 won .
Visitor Kim Da-ae, 36, called the AI a 'unique experience', while Singaporean tourist Amos Chun received advice to 'avoid impulse spending' from the robotic shaman on Wednesday.
Cultural hits like 'KPop Demon Hunters' on Netflix reflect shamanic traditions' ongoing popularity, while Vinaida customers receive digital 'talisman' QR codes to scan for detailed fortunes.